Day Lake drawdown to begin after Labor Day

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is planning a temporary drawdown of Day Lake in Ashland County after Labor Day to allow for needed dam repairs and related resource improvement work. The Forest Service is coordinating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources throughout the drawdown and repair process.

To prepare for construction, lake levels will be gradually lowered by about 11-13 feet.. Drawdown may begin as early as September 8, 2026, and is expected to take six weeks, depending on weather and flow conditions. 

During the drawdown, lake users should expect lower water levels. Some boats may have difficulty launching, loading or navigating, particularly near shallow areas, the boat launch, exposed lakebed, stumps, rocks or other underwater hazards. Visitors are urged to use caution, operate at slow speeds and watch carefully for changing conditions.

For more information, please see the project news release.